Top 10 Albums of 2005

As the year comes to a close I thought I'd post my favorite albums that came out this year. This is just my opinion, but if you decide to get any of these I don't think you'll regret it. Feel free to disagree with me Joe.

10. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam
Released October 4

I was surprised that I liked this album, but good songwriting and great production came together. I especially like the creative use of keyboards. More specifically, the use of the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer. Everybody talks about how he was a soldier and now a singer, which is cool and all, but I wouldn't care if the songs weren't good.

Key tracks: 4, 5, 10


9. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
Released October 4

A lot of people thought that the early version of this album leaked to the internet was better than the official release. Maybe they're right, but this one is still pretty great. I guess I'm a sucker for those finishing touches. Jon Brion is a genius and this album is almost as good as "When the Pawn..."

Key tracks: 3, 6, 9


8. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
Released June 7

Jack and Meg can do no wrong, and they keep the greatness coming on this album. I mean, who else can rock out with a marimba?

Key tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6, 10


7. Common - Be
Released May 24

Common, or Common Sense, or whatever he cares to call himself, is the best rapper on the planet. Add to that the production of Kanye West and you've got a great album. He can flow like no other. It even features their rap from Chappelle's Show which is a nice bonus.

Key tracks: 2, 7, 8, 10


6. Beck - Guero
Released March 29

I listened to this album so many times before it was officially released that by the time it was, I was almost sick of it. Except that this album is awe-some and I would never get sick of it. This is very different from Sea Change, but just as great. Jack White even makes an appearance playing bass.

Key tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 10


5. Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman
Released April 26

I wish I were Ben Folds. He's a virtuoso and he's friends with William Shatner. Ok, I don't care that much about Shatner, but I'm still jealous. While I might not like this album as much as his last solo effort, it's still better than most other music released this year. And one of the songs is about Elliott Smith.

Key tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8


4. Death Cab for Cutie - Plans[/b]
Released August 30

Some are accusing Death Cab of selling out with this album. While I agree it's more accessible than their previous efforts, I don't think it means they've sold out. I think it means they've made their best album yet. And listening to this album doesn't mean you like The OC. I just want to make that clear.

Key tracks: 2, 5, 6, 7, 11


3. Jamiroquai - Dynamite
Released September 30

Funk is not dead. The band with the funny name puts it down again. This is their first album where I can really enjoy listening all the way through. And there are a couple tracks that are so funky it hurts.

Key tracks: 1, 3, 5, 10, 11


2. Coldplay - X&Y
Released June 7

It seems like you either love or hate Coldplay. I love them. I don't think they're the second coming or anything, but they write great songs and put on a great show. This is not their best album but it's still great.

Key tracks: 2, 4, 7, 8, 11


1. Sufjan Stevens - Illinois
Released July 5

This is one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life. It's great from beginning to end. I was a fan of his record about Michigan, but this is even better. The music, the lyrics, the fact that he plays about 20 different instruments. And it includes a beautiful song about a serial killer. What more can you ask for?

Key tracks: all of them